UNC football coach Bill Belichick’s first scholarship offer to an in-state prospect happened a couple of days before Christmas.

Reidsville High School senior running back Jariel Cobb took to his social media accounts to announce an offer from the Tar Heels on Dec. 22.

Cobb committed to play at Air Force back in the summer, but recently decommitted from that program.

UNC’s offer is his first from a Power 4 program. It’s a good sign for those who were concerned that Belichick wouldn’t prioritize in-state recruiting.

Over his recruiting process, Cobb also received offers from Appalachian State, Bucknell, Cornell, Dartmouth, Gardner-Webb, Georgetown, Maine, Marshall, Morgan State, Navy, and North Carolina Central.

Cobb helped Reidsville to an N.C. High School Athletic Association 2A state championship in 2023. This season, his senior season, Cobb broke his collarbone in the final regular season game missed the playoffs. Reidsville was upset in the second round.

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound back rushed for over 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior and over 1,500 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior.

In total, Cobb rushed for 3,001 yards and 43 touchdowns while adding 306 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He also had 86 solo tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, and three fumble recoveries in his career as linebacker.